‘Tropical Storms’ with Heavy Downpours Will Dampen Louisiana’s Weekend

(KMDL-FM) No, Louisiana is not under threat from a named tropical storm. The state and the northern Gulf are being affected by a low-pressure system just off Louisiana's coastline, which is the catalyst for tropical weather across the region.

The low-pressure system in the Gulf is not on the National Hurricane Center's watch list, so we're not talking about an imminent "spin up" of a suddenly concerning tropical system. Still, we will be dealing with tropical downpours, and for southern Louisiana, that means flooding concerns.

How Much Rain Will South Louisiana Get This Weekend?

Rob Perillo via KATC.com

That's the European Model Rainfall Projections through next Wednesday, June 10th. As you can see, those totals and that graphic provided by KATC Chief Meteorologist Rob Perillo are not that out of line as far as flooding potential goes.

READ MORE: Probability of a Named Storm Landfalling In Your Parish in 2026

However, as Rob noted in his story about this weekend's outlook, there could be "tropical downpours" that could create localized flooding. We've had a couple of instances of that on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Lafayette area. Rob's thinking is that we should expect more of that, at least through Saturday, and perhaps Saturday will bring the worst of the wet weather to the region.

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When Are Flooding Rains Expected in South Louisiana?

Forecasters with the National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles have released this graphic outlook for the Excessive Rainfall Threat for the area. As you can see, just about all of Louisiana is under the gun for a good soaking.

weather.gov/lch

As the sun rises on this Thursday morning, most of the shower and thunderstorm activity is confined to the offshore waters or is right along Louisiana's coastline. The short-term forecast suggests the showers will continue to weaken in coverage and intensity during the early morning hours. But more storms will refire once the daytime heating begins building across the Northern Gulf after sunrise.

READ MORE: Why Are Louisiana Sunsets Suddenly Extra Pretty?

Rob Perillo, who, in my opinion, is one of the best tropical weather forecasters in the business, did note that the low-pressure system in the Gulf that is one of the catalysts for all of the rainfall could slide further north toward Louisiana's coast.

As we stated earlier, strengthening is not forecast, but the proximity of the system or the remnant trough could really exacerbate rainfall totals and rainfall rates, especially on Saturday morning. So, if you have plans for early Saturday, make sure you're keeping a watchful eye on the weather.

Oh, and after the rain finally stops, which looks like it will be sometime next week, you're going to need this list. You're welcome.